SCHOOL CLIMATE

RESEARCH FINDING:

Schools that encourage academic achievement focus on the  import-
ance of scholastic success and on maintaining order and discipline.

COMMENT:

Good  schools focus sharply on learning.   In effective  schools, 
the school climate--some call it the "learning environment"--puts 
academics first.  
Principals  and  teachers believe they can make a  difference  in 
what students learn.   Teachers and students believe each student 
is  capable of making significant  academic  progress.   Students 
understand and agree that their first priority is to learn.

School activities reinforce these attitudes.  Routines discourage 
disorder  and disruptions.   Teachers and principals protect  the 
classroom  from interruptions.   Academic success is expected and 
rewarded.  Public ceremonies honor student achievement.

Incoming  students know the school's reputation  and  experienced 
students affirm the value placed on learning.   Teacher morale is 
high  and turnover is low.   When there are openings,  principals 
recruit  and  select teachers who share the  school's  goals  and 
standards.

Principals work with teachers,  students,  parents, and community 
members to develop the school's learning environment.  Once esta-
blished,  that learning environment becomes a durable part of the 
school's tradition. 


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